Description:
Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) mediate synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction. The channel-linked AChR that mediates rapid, excitatory actions of acetylcholine is called nicotinic AChR (nAChR) because it can be activated by nicotine. The non-channel linked AChR that mediates the slow actions of acetylcholine, which can be either inhibitory or excitatory, is called muscarinic AChR (mAChR) because it can be activated by muscarine. The nAChRs fall into two subclasses, the muscle-type and the neuronal-type. The muscle-type receptor is a pentameric glycoprotein of five membrane spanning subunits (2 alpha 1’s, beta 1, gamma or epsilon and delta), which form a ligand gated ion channel. The neuronal nAChR is also a pentamer. Unlike the muscle-type it is made up of only two general types of subunits, alpha and beta of which multiple subtypes have been described (alpha 2 to alpha 8 and beta 2 to beta 4).

Applications:Suitable for use in Immunohistochemistry. Other applications have not been tested.

Recommended Dilution:Immunohistochemistry: 1:1000–1:2000 using a Cy3 conjugated secondary antibody. The tissue was fixed in a paraformaldehyde/picric acid-mixture (4% paraformaldehyde and 0.4% picric acid in 0.16M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.9). The antibody stains nerve fibers and cell bodies in untreated animals. Strong nAChR alpha 4 immunoreactivity is demonstrated in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, in neurons of the cerebral cortex, striatum, brainstem and spinal cord.Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Storage and Stability:May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, add sterile 40-50% glycerol, aliquot and store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.